McGill School of Continuing Studies

Certificate of Proficiency of English for Professional Communication

Signal Words and Phrases

Additive : also and besides further(more) moreover too in addition

Equivalent : likewise similarly as well as at the same time equally important

Amplification : as like specifically for example for instance such as

Alternative : either/or neither/nor otherwise other than

Repetitive : again in other words that is to repeat

Contrast & Change : but conversely despite however

even though in spite of instead of notwithstanding
on the other hand on the contrary rather than nevertheless
regardless still though whereas yet

Cause & Effect : because accordingly consequently since so then

therefore thus hence for this reason

Qualifying : although if unless whenever provided that

Concession : of course granted that accepting (the fact that)…

Order words : first next second third fourth then last(ly) finally

Time : before after(ward) formerly meanwhile now presently

previously subsequently ultimately

Summarizing : in brief for these reasons in conclusion to sum up

© Tapestry Listening & Speaking 4 adapted by M. Langevin, D. Delaney CEEN 422 9/08